Mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising: a terminal body having first to fourth sides; a metal frame comprising a base plate located in the interior of the body of the terminal, first and second side members distanced from the base plate and exposed to the exterior of the terminal body, and a slit located on the first side of the terminal body and distanced from a first end part of a first side member and a first end part of a second side member; and a printed circuit board located in the interior of the terminal, wherein the first side member is located on one part of the first side end and second side, the printed circuit board comprises a first power unit, a second power unit, a first conductive pattern connected to the first power unit; and a second conductive pattern connected to the second power unit, wherein the first conductive pattern is directly connected to the first side member, and the second conductive pattern is not directly connected to the second side member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/779,479, filed on May 25, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,498,038, whichis the National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/KR2016/013601, filed on Nov. 24, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to KoreanApplication Nos. 10-2015-0167904, filed on Nov. 27, 2015, and10-2016-0157059, filed on Nov. 24, 2016, the contents of which are allhereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an antenna.

BACKGROUND ART

Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals orstationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals mayalso be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminalsaccording to whether or not a user can directly carry the terminal.

Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples ofsuch functions include data and voice communications, capturing imagesand video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via aspeaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Somemobile terminals include additional functionality which supports gameplaying, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players.More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receivebroadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such asvideos and television programs.

As such functions become more diversified, the mobile terminal cansupport more complicated functions such as capturing images or video,reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving broadcastsignals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementingsuch functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in the form of amultimedia player or device.

A mobile terminal is provided with a multitude of antennas such as PIFA(planar inverted F type antenna), slot antenna and the like.

In order to secure a multitude of frequency bands, it is necessary tosecure a sufficient antenna radiation space. However, in order to securea radiation space of an antenna sufficiently, a bezels needs to bewidened or a separate antenna pattern is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address theabove-noted and other problems. Another object of the present inventionis to provide a mobile terminal, by which an antenna can be formed so asto prevent distributions of electric fields from interfering with eachother using at least one slot.

In one technical aspect of the present invention, provided herein is amobile terminal, including a terminal body including first to fourthsides, a metal frame including a base plate located within the terminalbody, first and second side members disposed by being spaced apart fromthe base plate so as to be externally exposed from the terminal body,and a slit located at the first side of the terminal body, the slitformed in a manner that a first end portion of the first side member anda first end portion of the second side member are spaced apart from eachother, and a printed circuit board located within the terminal, whereinthe first side and the fourth side are shorter than the second side andthe third side, respectively, wherein the first side member is locatedon the first side and a portion of the second side and connected to thebase plate at a location on the second side spaced apart from the firstside, wherein the second side member is located on the first side and aportion of the third side and connected to the base plate at a locationon the third side spaced apart from the first side, wherein the slit islocated adjacent to the third side rather than the second side, whereinthe printed circuit board includes a first power source unit, a secondpower source unit, a first conductive pattern connected to the firstpower source unit, and a second conductive pattern connected to thesecond power source unit, wherein the first conductive pattern isdirectly connected to the first side member, and wherein the secondconductive pattern is not directly connected to the second side member.

A plurality of the first conductive patterns may be included and atleast one of a plurality of the first conductive patterns may beconnected to the first side member.

The first side member may further include a plurality of access ribsprojected toward an inside of the terminal body and the first conductivepattern may be connected to one of a plurality of the access ribs.

The mobile terminal may further include a first stub connected to thefirst end portion of the first side member.

The first conductive pattern may be connected to a first point locatedat a middle part of the first side member.

The first conductive pattern may be configured in a manner of being bentby forming a loop.

The first conductive pattern may be connected to the side member and asecond point adjacent to an edge part at which the first side and thesecond side meet.

The mobile terminal may further include a second stub connected to thesecond point and extending along the second side of the first sidemember.

The first side member may be connected to the first conductive patternat a third point adjacent to the first conductive pattern and the firstend portion.

The mobile terminal may further include an insulator inserted between afourth point adjacent to an edge part, at which the first side of thesecond side member and the second side meet, and the second conductivepattern.

The mobile terminal may further include an auxiliary pattern locatedadjacent to a feeder unit of the second conductive pattern.

The mobile terminal may further include a fourth stub connected to thesecond conductive pattern and extending between the second side memberand the base plate.

The slit may be spaced over 16 mm apart from the third side.

The mobile terminal may further include a display unit located on afront side of the terminal body,

and the display unit may be spaced apart from each of the first sidemember and the second side member.

If power is supplied to the first side member from the first feeder unitthrough the first conductive pattern, radiation of the base plate may beboosted by an electric field gathering between the first side member andthe base plate.

The mobile terminal may further include a switch connected to at leastone of the first side member and the second side member.

In another technical aspect of the present invention, provided herein isa mobile terminal, including a terminal body including first to fourthsides, a metal frame including a base plate located within the terminalbody, first and second side members disposed by being spaced apart fromthe base plate so as to be externally exposed from the terminal body,and a slit located at the first side of the terminal body, the slitformed in a manner that a first end portion of the first side member anda first end portion of the second side member are spaced apart from eachother, a printed circuit board located within the terminal, and a firststub connected to the first end portion of the first side member,wherein the first side and the fourth side are shorter than the secondside and the third side, respectively, wherein the first side member islocated on the first side and a portion of the second side and connectedto the base plate at a location on the second side spaced apart from thefirst side, wherein the second side member is located on the first sideand a portion of the third side and connected to the base plate at alocation on the third side spaced apart from the first side, wherein theslit is located adjacent to the third side rather than the second side,wherein the printed circuit board includes a first power source unit, asecond power source unit, a plurality of first conductive patternsconnected to the first power source unit, and a second conductivepattern connected to the second power source unit, wherein at least oneof the first conductive patterns is directly connected to the first sidemember, and wherein the second conductive pattern is not directlyconnected to the second side member.

A mobile terminal according to the present invention provides thefollowing effects and/or features.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, byimproving ground radiation, a radiation space of an antenna can beadvantageously secured.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, aside part of a mobile terminal can be advantageously utilized as aradiator of an antenna.

Moreover, the present invention can prevent antenna performancedegradation occurring when a user holds a mobile terminal in hand to usethe mobile terminal, whereby consistent wireless communicationperformance can be secured advantageously.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by illustration only, since various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminalaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B isan exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal to describe anantenna device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram of a comparison example of a slotantenna, and FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram of a slot antenna relatedto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C are diagrams to describe a bottom antenna accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a diagram todescribe a top antenna according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A schematically shows a radiation pattern by a first conductivemember according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6Bschematically shows a radiation pattern by a second conductive memberaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram to describe that a switch is formed on an antenna ofa mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a radiation pattern by a first conductivemember according to a first embodiment of the present invention for amobile terminal overall.

FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically showing a conductive member operatingas an antenna of a mobile terminal corresponding to FIG. 2A, FIG. 9B isa diagram schematically showing a conductive member operating as anantenna of a mobile terminal corresponding to FIG. 2B.

FIG. 10A is a rear perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according toa second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10B is a frontperspective diagram in a state that a window of a mobile terminalaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention is removed,and FIG. 10C is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal in astate that a display unit in FIG. 10B is removed.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminalaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing bottom end portions of a metal frame and adisplay unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal to describe anantenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a radiation pattern when a power isapplied to a first side member through a first conductive patternaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph to describe an operation and performance of a firstantenna structure of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a diagram to describe an operation of a first antennastructure of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal to describe a firstantenna structure according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a graph to describe an operation and performance of a firstantenna structure of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a diagram to describe an operation of a first antennastructure of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal to describe a firstantenna structure according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a graph to describe an operation and performance of a firstantenna structure of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are diagrams to describe an operation of a firstantenna structure of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a graph to describe an operation and performance of a secondantenna structure of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram to describe an operation of a second antennastructure of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Ingeneral, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer toelements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intendedto facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself isnot intended to give any special meaning or function. In the presentdisclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. Theaccompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be directly connectedwith the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connectedwith” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context.

Terms such as “include” or “has” are used herein and should beunderstood that they are intended to indicate an existence of severalcomponents, functions or steps, disclosed in the specification, and itis also understood that greater or fewer components, functions, or stepsmay likewise be utilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components in The FIG. 1A is not a requirement, and thatgreater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

More specifically, the wireless communication unit 110 typicallyincludes one or more modules which permit communications such aswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100and an external server. Further, the wireless communication unit 110typically includes one or more modules which connect the mobile terminal100 to one or more networks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively oradditionally include other types of sensors or devices, such as aproximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154. Thedisplay unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integratedstructure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. Thetouch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 whichprovides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and theuser.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 may provide or processinformation or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals,data, information and the like, which are input or output, or activatingapplication programs stored in the memory 170.

To drive the application programs stored in the memory 170, thecontroller 180 may be implemented to control a predetermined number ofthe components mentioned above in reference with FIG. 1A. Moreover, thecontroller 180 may be implemented to combinedly operate two or more ofthe components provided in the mobile terminal 100 to drive theapplication programs.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

Some or more of the components may be operated cooperatively to embodyan operation, control or a control method of the mobile terminal inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, theoperation, control or control method of the mobile terminal may berealized on the mobile terminal by driving of one or more applicationproblems stored in the memory 170.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 1, the components mentioned above will bedescribed in detail before describing the various embodiments which arerealized by the mobile terminal 100 in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

Regarding the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast receivingmodule 111 is typically configured to receive a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingentity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include asatellite channel, a terrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments,two or more broadcast receiving modules 111 may be utilized tofacilitate simultaneously receiving of two or more broadcast channels,or to support switching among broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like).

Examples of wireless signals transmitted and/or received via the mobilecommunication module 112 include audio call signals, video (telephony)call signals, or various formats of data to support communication oftext and multimedia messages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal. As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPSmodule, a position of the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signalsent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the mobile terminaluses the Wi-Fi module, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquiredbased on information related to a wireless access point (AP) whichtransmits or receives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike). In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding toproximity touches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximitysensor 141, and cause output of visual information on the touch screen.In addition, the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 toexecute different operations or process different data according towhether a touch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either aproximity touch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofpressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, or convertcapacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit 151, intoelectric input signals. The touch sensor may also be configured to sensenot only a touched position and a touched area, but also touch pressureand/or touch capacitance. A touch object is generally used to apply atouch input to the touch sensor. Examples of typical touch objectsinclude a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much faster thanultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images.

A typical stereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic displayscheme such as a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), anauto-stereoscopic scheme (glassless scheme), a projection scheme(holographic scheme), or the like.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationsfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 may be provided with the power supplied by anexternal power source and the power supplied therein under the controlof the controller 180 so as to supply the needed power to each of thecomponents. The power supply unit 190 may include a battery. The batterymay be a built-in type which is rechargeable and detachably loaded inthe terminal to be charged.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 to whichan external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

Here, the terminal body may be understood to refer to the concept ofthis bore a mobile terminal (100) to at least one of the aggregate.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

The mobile terminal 100 may include the display unit 151, the audiooutput module, the proximity sensor 141, the illuminance sensor 142, theoptical output module 154, the camera 121, the user input unit 123, themicrophone 122 and the interface unit 160.

It will be described for the mobile terminal as shown in FIGS. 1B and1C. The display unit 151, the first audio output module 151 a, theproximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, the optical outputmodule 154, the first camera 121 a and the first manipulation unit 123 aare arranged in front surface of the terminal body, the secondmanipulation unit 123 b, the microphone 122 and interface unit 160 arearranged in side surface of the terminal body, and the second audiooutput modules 151 b and the second camera 121 b are arranged in rearsurface of the terminal body.

It is to be understood that alternative arrangements are possible andwithin the teachings of the instant disclosure. Some components may beomitted or rearranged. For example, the first manipulation unit 123 amay be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the secondaudio output module 152 b may be located on the side surface of theterminal body.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

A flash 124 is shown located adjacent to the second camera 121 b. Whenan image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, the flash 124may illuminate the subject.

The second audio output module 152 b can be located on the terminalbody. The second audio output module 152 b may implement stereophonicsound functions in conjunction with the first audio output module 152 a,and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone mode for callcommunication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 (see FIG. 1A). may be retractableinto the terminal body. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using afilm attached to an inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case thatincludes a conductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may receive power via a power source cable connected tothe interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in awireless manner using a wireless charger. Wireless charging may beimplemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminal 100according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B isan exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminal 200 according to asecond embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A can be understood asan exploded perspective diagram of FIG. 1C. FIG. 2B can be understood asa case of being configured with the display unit 151 and a single casehaving the display unit 151 received therein, which can be categorizedas a uni-body type terminal.

In FIG. 2A, shown is a mobile terminal 100 including a front case 101receiving a window 151 a, a display module 151 b provided under thewindow 151 a, a printed circuit board 181 provided under the displaymodule 151 b, a rear case 102 joined to the front case 101, the rearcase 102 forming an internal space with the front case 101 so as toreceive electronic parts 182 (cf. FIG. 2A) therein, and a rear cover 103covering a rear side of the rear case 102 to form a rear exterior of themobile terminal 100. Here, the rear case 102 includes a main surfaceportion 102 b covering the printed circuit board 181 and a side portion102 a formed in a thickness direction of the mobile terminal 100 so asto form an internal space with the front case 101.

In this case, the side portion 102 a may be formed of metallic materialand the main surface portion 102 b may be formed of plastic material, bywhich the present invention is non-limited.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 2B, shown is a mobile terminal 100 of a uni-body typethat forms a single case in a manner that the rear case 102 and the rearcover 103 are integrally formed. Although FIG. 2B exemplarily shows thatthe window 151 a are formed in the front case 101, by which the presentinvention is non-limited. Instead, as the window 151 a and the displaymodule 151 b are integrally formed without the front case 101, a hybridLCD (not shown) is formed. And, the hybrid LCD may be joined to the caseof the uni-body type. Yet, the description with reference to FIG. 2Bshall be made on the assumption that the case 103 for receiving thewindow 151 a therein corresponds to the rear case 102 and the rear cover103 integrally formed together in FIG. 2A.

Here, in FIG. 2A, a part corresponding to the main surface portion 102 band the side portion 102 a are formed of metallic material. Or, the sideportion 102 b is formed of metallic material but the main surfaceportion 102 b is formed of nonmetallic material. In FIG. 2B, the case103 may be formed of metallic material. In such a case, a partconfiguring the side portion 102 a of the rear case 102 may operate asan antenna, or a portion of the case 103 in FIG. 2B may operate as anantenna.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a technique ofutilizing a part configuring a body of the mobile terminal 100, and moreparticularly, a side part, e.g., the side portion 102 a as an antenna.

Particularly, disclosed is the technique of utilizing a side part spacedapart from a component, which performs a function of a ground inside themobile terminal 100, in a predetermined distance as an antenna. Here,since the part forming the side part of the mobile terminal 100 forms anexterior of the terminal body, it may be named a decoration member.Namely, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an antennais boosted to enable radiation to occur from a ground, and a techniquefor a boosting slot antenna is disclosed.

In the mobile terminal 100, an antenna device is mostly provided to atop or bottom side of the terminal body. An antenna implemented in oneembodiment of the present invention is illustrated as provided to thetop side and/or the bottom side of the terminal body. The followingdescription shall be made based on such configuration.

For example, FIG. 2A shows that a frame 185 is disposed between the rearcase 102 and the circuit board 181 and that a display module 151 b isjoined to one side of the circuit board 181. The rear cover 103 can bejoined to the rear case 102 so as to cover a battery 191. Here, theframe 185 is a part for improving rigidity of the mobile terminal 100.

A touch sensor (not shown) may be installed in the window 151 a. Thetouch sensor is configured to sense a touch input and formedlight-transmissive. The touch sensor may be installed on a front side ofthe window 151 a and configured to convert a variation of a voltage orthe like generated from a specific point of the widow 151 a into anelectrical input signal.

The display module 151 b is mounted on a rear side of the window 151 a.According to the present embodiment, as an example of the display module151 b, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) isdisclosed, by which the present invention is non-limited.

For example, the display module 151 b may include a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexibledisplay, a 3D display, etc.

The circuit board 181 may be installed under the display module 151 b.And, at least one electronic element 182 may be installed on a bottomside of the circuit board 181.

A receiving part in a recessed shape may be formed in the frame 185 soas to receive the battery 191 therein. A contact terminal connected tothe circuit board 181 may be formed at one lateral side of the rear case102 or the frame 185 so as to supply power to a terminal body.

An antenna module may be provided to a top or bottom end of the mobileterminal 100.

Generally, LTE/WCDMA Rx only antenna, GPS antenna, BT/WiFi antenna andthe like may be provided to the top end of the mobile terminal 100, anda main antenna may be formed provided to a bottom end of the mobileterminal 100.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a frequency bandof at least one of the LTE/WCDMA Rx only antenna, the GPS antenna, andthe BT/WiFi antenna may be transmitted/received according to a frequencyband.

Moreover, a plurality of antenna modules are formed and disposed on endportions of the terminal, respectively. And, the antenna modules can beconfigured to transceive radio signals of different frequency bands,respectively.

The frame 185 may be formed of metallic material to maintain sufficientrigidity despite being formed thin. The frame 185 of the metallicmaterial can operate as a ground. Namely, the circuit board 191 orconductive members 131 and 132 for antennas can be grounded to the frame185, and the frame 185 can operate as a ground of the circuit board 181or the antenna. In this case, the frame 185 can extend the ground of themobile terminal 100. Moreover, according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 2B, the rear cover 193 can extend aground region of the antenna.

In this case, if the circuit board 181 is configured to occupy most ofan area of the terminal body without having the frame 185, the circuitboard 181 may extend a ground by itself.

The circuit board 181 is electrically connected to antennas ANT1 to ANT6and is configured to process radio signals (or, radio electromagneticwaves) transceived via the antennas ANT1 to ANT6. For the processing ofradio signals, a plurality of transmission/reception (Tx/Rx) circuits182 may be formed or installed in the circuit board 181.

The Tx/Rx circuits may be configured by including at least oneintegrated circuit and relevant electrical elements. For example, aTx/Rx circuit may include a Tx integrated circuit, an Rx integratedcircuit, a switching circuit, an amplifier, etc.

A plurality of the Tx/Rx circuits simultaneously feed the conductivemembers that are radiators, whereby a plurality of the antennas ANT1 toANT6 can operate simultaneously. For example, while one performs atransmission, the other can perform reception. Both may performtransmission or reception.

A plurality of Tx/Rx circuits can be configured. Each of the Tx/Rxcircuits can be implemented as a communication chip including at leastone of a call processor (CP), a modem chip, an RF transceiver chip, andan RF receiver chip. Thus, each communication chip may transmit a radiosignal by feeding the conductive member through a feeder unit and amatching module (variable switch 135 included), or perform a prescribedreception processing such as a frequency transform processing, ademodulation process and the like by receiving an Rx radio signalreceived by the conductive member through the matching module (variableswitch 135 included) and the feeder unit.

According to a related art, radiation is performed by a conductivepattern provided within a terminal body, whereby a radiation region canbe secured easily. In order to maximize a radiation space of aconductive member, a separate additional antenna pattern is required,which means that a size of a basic antenna should increase.

Hence, in case of using a metallic member forming an exterior of themobile terminal 100, e.g., the side portion 102 a forming a lateral sideof the mobile terminal 100 as a radiator of an antenna, securing aradiation space (open space) is limited unless an antenna pattern isadded. This shall be described with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram of a comparison example of a slotantenna, and FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram of a slot antenna relatedto one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B, a size of a first radiation region A1 in FIG. 4A is greaterthan a first radiation region A1′ in FIG. 4B. A size of a secondradiation region A2 in FIG. 4A is equal to that of a second radiationregion A2 in FIG. 4B. Here, the first radiation region A1/A1′ means aradiation region by an antenna pattern (conductive pattern) and thesecond radiation region A2 means a radiation region abandoned to aground GND.

In FIG. 4A, as the first radiation region A1 by an antenna ANT issufficiently secured, dependency of radiation by the first radiationregion A1 is high. Yet, in FIG. 4B, since the first radiation region A1′is not secured sufficiently, it is necessary to induce radiation of thesecond radiation region A2 due to radiation performance degradation ofan antenna ANT. Namely, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a technique of utilizing a part utilized as a ground GND as aportion of an antenna radiator is provided. Yet, in one embodiment ofthe present invention, it may not mean that radiation should beperformed on a ground.

Thus, as a ground GN is extended to a radiation space of an antennapattern, a radiation region can be extended and radiation performance ina size of a given ground can be maximized.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal todescribe antenna devices ANT1 and ANT2 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention and FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram of an antennadevice according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thefollowing description shall be made with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5Atogether.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the conductivemembers 131 and 132 spaced part from the ground provided within theterminal body form slots so as to form slot antennas. Here, the groundmay include one of the printed circuit board 181, the middle frame 185(cf. FIG. 2A) and the rear cover 103 covering a rear side of theterminal body. The following description shall be made by focusing onthat the printed circuit board 181 performs a function of a ground.

The mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention includes a first conductive member 131 forming a first slot S1by being spaced apart from the ground 181 and a second conductive member132 forming a second slot S2 by being spaced apart from the ground 181.The first conductive member 131 and the second conductive member 132 areformed in a direction of crossing with each other approximately. Forexample, if the first conductive member 131 is formed in a widthdirection of the mobile terminal 100, the second conductive member 132may be formed along a length direction of the mobile terminal 100. Yet,the first conductive member 131 may not mean as formed in a firstdirection only and the second conductive member 132 may not mean asformed in a second direction only. Instead, it is enough for a firstloop L1, which is a flow of current formed by the first conductivemember 131, and a second loop L2, which is a flow of current formed bythe second conductive member 132, not to interfere with each other.Preferably, it is enough for the first and second loops L1 and L2 to beformed in a crossing direction.

In the following description, a direction faced by most of the firstconductive member 131 shall be called a first direction and a directionfaced by most of the second conductive member 132 shall be called asecond direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first conductive member 131 includes a firstsubmember 131 a formed along the first direction and a second submember131 b formed along the second direction, and the second conductivemember 132 includes a third submember 132 a formed along the firstdirection and a fourth submember 132 b formed along the seconddirection. Here, a length of the first submember 131 a is greater thanthat of the second submember 131 b, and a length of the third submember132 a is smaller than that of the fourth submember 132 b, by which thepresent invention is non-limited. Namely, a first open slot S3 is formedbetween the first conductive member 131 and the ground 181 and a secondopen slot S4 is formed between the first conductive member 131 and thesecond conductive member 132. Locations of the first and second openslots S3 and S4 are variable according to a resonant frequency toimplement.

The first conductive member 131 and the second conductive member 132 mayinclude a first antenna ANT1 and a second antenna ANT2 implementingdifferent resonant frequency bands, respectively. A first resonantfrequency band is implemented by the first antenna ANT1, and a secondresonant frequency band different from the first resonant frequency bandis implemented by the second antenna ANT2.

A first feeder unit 133 a feeding the first conductive member 131 isconnected to the printed circuit board 181, and a second feeder unit 133b feeding the second conductive member 132 is connected to the printedcircuit board 181 as well. A junction portion 134 connected to theground 181 is formed at one point of the first conductive member 131,thereby performing a function of a ground portion of the first antennaANT1. The junction portion 134 may be formed of a metallic member havinga predetermined size or a multitude of fine cables and perform afunction of grounding the first conductive member 131 by electricallyconnecting the ground 181 and the first conductive member 131 togetherand a function of separating the first antenna ANT1 and the secondantenna ANT2 from each other.

Namely, the first antenna ANT1 and the second antenna ANT2 aredistinguished from each other with reference to the junction portion134.

One end portion of the first conductive member 131 forms the first openslot S3 by being spaced apart from the ground 181, one end portion ofthe second conductive member 132 forms the second open slot S4 by beingspaced apart from one end portion of the first conductive member 131,and the other end portion is connected to the ground 181. Here, thesecond open slot S4 may include a slot for an ear jack that is the audiooutput unit 152.

Each of the first and second conductive members 131 and 132 plays a roleas an antenna. To a point G at which the second conductive member 132 isconnected to the ground 181, the second 132 may be directly connected tothe ground 181. Moreover, as contact pins C1 to C4 shown in FIG. 9A areformed, the second conductive member 132 can be grounded to the ground181. At one or more points in the side part of the mobile terminal 100except the first to fourth conductive members 131, 132, 131′ and 132′,at least one contact pin C1 to C4 coming into contact with the ground181 can be formed.

This applies to a second embodiment of the present invention as well.Namely, although not shown in detail in FIG. 9B, a multitude of contactpins C1 to C4 connected to the ground can be formed on the side part ofthe case 103. Moreover, contact pins C1 to C4 may be formed on a rearpart of the case 103 covering the printed circuit board 181.

FIG. 6A schematically shows a radiation pattern by a first conductivemember 131 according to one embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 6B schematically shows a radiation pattern by a second conductivemember 132 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8schematically shows a radiation pattern by a first conductive member 131according to a first embodiment of the present invention for a mobileterminal 100 overall.

Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, a radiation region R1 by the firstconductive member 131 is mainly formed in a right bottom end of themobile terminal 100 and a radiation region R2 by the second conductivemember 132 is mainly formed in a left bottom end of the mobile terminal100. Hence, it can be observed that the regions R1 and R2 do notinterfere with each other. A radiation pattern by the first conductivemember 131 is mainly formed along a first direction and a radiationpattern by the second conductive member 132 is mainly formed along asecond direction. Hence, it can be observed that the radiation patternsby the first and second conductive members 131 and 132 secure theradiation regions independently without causing considerable effects toeach other.

Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, each ofthe first and second conductive members 131 and 132 is formed in shapeof ‘L’. Hence, an electric field is induced to be maximized around acorner of the mobile terminal 100, whereby a wider radiation region canbe secured. For example, ground radiation can be maximized. Inparticular, for the implementation of a resonant frequency of a low bandin the frequency band implemented in the mobile terminal 100 in general,the mobile terminal 100 is formed to have a wavelength equal to orgreater than a wavelength corresponding to the resonant frequency of thelow band. Like one embodiment of the present invention, in case of aslot antenna, a length in a length direction of the mobile terminal 100is formed greater than ¼ of a wavelength λ corresponding to a centerfrequency of a low band. In this case, in order to complement thatradiation performance is weakened due to the shortage of the radiationregion by the first conductive member 131, according to one embodimentof the present invention, ground radiation is actively performed.Namely, the electric field in each of the first and second conductivemembers 131 and 132 is maximized around a corner of the mobile terminal100.

Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention,frequencies of low and high bands are implemented by the first conducivemember 131, and a frequency of a middle band is implemented by thesecond conductive member 132. In order to implement the frequency of thelow band, as described above, an electric field distribution by thefirst conductive member 131 is maximized around the corner. According toone embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, groundradiation is performed around a top side R12 as well as around a bottomside R11. To this end, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the first and second open slots S3 and S4 is formedaround a corner of the mobile terminal 100. This uses an effect that anelectric field is intensively distributed near an open slot.

Yet, since the second conductive member 132 implements a frequency of amiddle band, in order to implement a middle band frequency band, groundradiation does not need to be generated from a top side of the mobileterminal 100.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it isable to adjust a location of a part at which the first conductive member131 and the junction portion 134 are connected to each other. And, it isable to add a frequency band to implement by further forming anadditional feeder unit the first conductive member 131. For example,FIG. 5C is a diagram to describe a third antenna (ANT3) device accordingto one embodiment of the present invention, which shows that a thirdsupply unit 133 c is added to FIG. 5A. Yet, in this case, the locationat which the junction portion 134 is connected to the first conductivemember 131 may fluctuate.

As described above, since the junction portion 134 plays a role indistinguishing antennas by the first and second conductive members 131and 132 and also plays a role as a ground portion in the firstconductive member 131, a portion of the first conductive member 131operates as the first antenna ANT1 and the rest of the first conductivemember 131 may operate as the third antenna ANT3. To this end, as shownin FIG. 5C, a third feeder unit 133 c can be provided to an oppositeside of a location of the first conductive member 131 at which the firstfeeder unit 133 a is formed by being connected to the printed circuitboard 181. Namely, the junction portion 134 is formed between a point P3at which the first feeder unit 133 a is connected to the firstconductive member 131 and a point P4 at which the third feeder unit 133c is connected to the first conductive member 131.

Here, junction portion 134 may play a role as a ground portion of thethird antenna ANT3 formed by the first conductive member 131 and thethird feeder unit 133 c. Namely, a radiator of the first antenna ANT1includes a part ranging from a point of the first conductive member 131having the junction portion 134 connected thereto to the first open slotS3 via a point having the first feeder unit 133 a connected thereto, aradiator of the second antenna ANT2 includes the second conductivemember 132, and a radiator of the third antenna ANT3 includes a partranging from a point of the first conductive member 131 having thejunction portion 134 connected thereto to the second open slot S4 via apoint having the third feeder unit 133 c connected thereto, i.e., to anend portion opposing the second conductive member 132.

The antennas formed in the bottom end portion of the mobile terminal 100are mainly described in the above description, by which one embodimentof the present invention is non-limited. And, antennas implementing amultitude of frequency bands may be formed in a top end of the mobileterminal 100 in the same manner.

Namely, FIG. 5B is a diagram to describe a top antenna according to oneembodiment of the present invention, which is formed in a manner similarto that shown in FIG. 5C.

Antennas ANT 4 to ANT6 formed in the top end of the mobile terminal 100shall be described with reference to FIG. 5B as follows.

Referring to FIG. 5B, third and fourth conductive members 131′ and 132′are formed by being spaced apart in a predetermined distance from theprinted circuit board 181 playing a role as a ground. A junction portion134′ is connected to the third conductive member 131′. Fourth and fifthfeeder units 133 a′ and 133 b′ are provided to the third and fourthconductive members 131′ and 132′, thereby forming fourth and fifthantennas ANT4 and ANT5, respectively. Moreover, a sixth feeder unit 133c′ is formed at a prescribed point of the third conductive member 131′on the opposite side of the fourth feeder unit 133 a′, therebyimplementing a sixth antenna ANT6. Here, third and fourth loops L3 andL4 are formed by the third and fourth conductive members 131′ and 132′,respectively.

As the fourth to sixth antennas ANT4 to ANT6 formed on the top side ofthe mobile terminal 100 are configured in the same manner of the firstto third antennas ANT1 to ANT3, details shall be omitted from thefollowing description.

Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, feederextension portions 133 d, 133 d′, 133 e and 133 e′ can be formed in atleast one of the first to sixth feeder units 133 a, 133 a′, 133 b, 133b′, 133 c and 133 c′ ranging from the printed circuit board 181 to thefirst to the first to fourth conductive members 131, 131′, 132 and 132′.The feeder extension portions 133 d, 133 d′, 133 e and 133 e′ areelements for impedance matching.

FIG. 7 is a diagram to describe that a switch 135 is formed on anantenna of a mobile terminal 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a switch 135 can be formed toconnect the ground 191 to a prescribed point of the first conductivemember 131 or the second conductive member 132. The switch 135 may be anelement for varying a resonant frequency, named a matching module or amatching unit for impedance matching, and formed in the first or secondslot S1 or S2.

The switch 135 can be configured by various combinations of capacitorsand inductors. For example, the switch 135 may include inductorsdiffering in size, both an inductor and a capacitor, or a singleinductor only. Moreover, an inductor and a variable capacitor may beconnected together in series, a variable capacitor may be provided, oran indictor and a variable capacitor may be connected in parallel.

The above examples are provided exemplarily. A variable inductor isusable. A 2-contact point switch 135 (SPDT, Single Pole Double Throw)and a 3-contact point switch 135 (SP3T, Single Pole Triple Throw) areavailable as well. Here, if an inductor is used, a resonant frequencycan be lowered. If a capacitor is used, a resonant frequency can beraised. By the appropriate combination of them, it is able to vary aresonant frequency. Such a variable switch 135 is apparent to thoseskilled in the art and its details shall be omitted from the followingdescription.

How to implement the aforementioned first to fourth conductive members131, 131′, 132 and 132′ or the aforementioned first to sixth antennasANT1 to ANT6 in the mobile terminal 100 shall be described as follows.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective diagram of the mobile terminal 100according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9Ais a diagram schematically showing a conductive member operating as anantenna of the mobile terminal 100 corresponding to FIG. 2A. referringto FIG. 2A and FIG. 9A, the first to fourth conductive members 131,131′, 132 and 132′ form the side portion 102 a of the mobile terminal100 and are exposed externally. The first and second open slots S3 andS4 are formed in the first and second conductive members 131 and 132,respectively. The third and fourth open slots S3′ and S4′ are formed inthe third and fourth conductive members 131′ and 132′, respectively.Feeder units are not shown in FIG. 9A, which applied to FIG. 9B. Here,the first to third antennas ANT1 to ANT3 configure a bottom antennaANTI, and the fourth to sixth antennas ANT4 to ANT6 configure a topantenna ANTII.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the sideportion 102 a including the first and second conductive members 131 and132 is formed of a metal member, some of the side portion 102 a operatesas an antenna, and the rear cover 103 is formed of a nonmetallic member.Moreover, the feeder extension portion 133 d failing to be shown indetail or a conductive pattern (not shown) may be additionally formed onone surface of the rear case 102.

As the first embodiment of the present invention utilizes a portion of ametallic member forming a side of the mobile terminal 100 as an antenna,it can be called a metal ring structure.

On the other hand, like the first embodiment, the second embodiment ofthe present invention also utilizes a portion of a metallic memberforming a side of the mobile terminal 100 as an antenna. Yet, as thecase 103 configured to receive the display unit 151 therein has a singleconfiguration, a part covering a rear side of the case 103 is used as ametal member. Hence, it may be called a metal cover structure.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective diagram of the mobile terminal 100according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9Bis a diagram schematically showing the rear cover 103 and the conductivemember operating as an antenna in the mobile terminal 100 correspondingto FIG. 2B.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention is a terminal of a uni-body type, and a display unit151 is received in a single case 103. Here, a rear side of the case 103can be formed of metallic material. Thus, if a part covering the rearside of the mobile terminal 100 is formed of metallic material, itaffects radiation performance by the first to fourth conductive members131, 131′, 132 and 132′. Therefore, according to the second embodimentof the present invention, nonmetallic members 136 and 136′ are formed toelectrically insulate the first to fourth conductive members 131, 131′,132 and 132′ from a rear side part occupying most of the rear side ofthe mobile terminal 100. For example, the nonmetallic members 136 and136′ may include polycarbonate or any nonmetallic material unlessmentioned especially. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9A, as a multitude ofthe contact pins C1 to C4 connecting the ground 181 to the side portion102 a are formed, it is able to prevent the side portion 102 a exceptthe first to fourth conductive members 131, 131′, 132 and 132′ fromaffecting radiation performance of an antenna. Namely, the contact pinsC1 to C4 can be formed on a part of the side portion 102 a except thefirst to fourth conductive members 131, 131′, 132 and 132′.

FIG. 10A is a rear perspective diagram of a mobile terminal 100according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10B is afront perspective diagram in a state that a window 151 a of the mobileterminal 100 according to the second embodiment of the present inventionis removed, and FIG. 10C is a front perspective diagram of the mobileterminal 100 in a state that the display unit 151 is removed in FIG.10B. Namely, FIG. 10B shows a state that the window 151 a is removedfrom the display unit 151 only and that a display module 151 b isinstalled in a terminal body.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C, since a case 103 that is a metallicmember of the mobile terminal 100 according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention may affect antenna performance, as shown in FIG.10A, nonmetallic members 136 and 136′ are provided so that first andsecond conductive members 131 and 132 can be electrically insulated fromthe case 103. A first feeder unit 133 a feeding the first conductivemember 131 and a feeder extension portion 133 d of the first feeder unit133 a are formed near to a front side of the mobile terminal 100.Particularly, the first feeder unit 133 a and the feeder extensionportion 133 d are formed on the printed circuit board 181 so as toextend to a backside of the display unit 151. Yet, it is not mandatoryfor the first feeder unit 133 a and the feeder extension portion 133 dto be formed near the front side of the mobile terminal 100. In order tominimize the influence of the case 103, metallic members related toantenna performance are preferably formed by being spaced apart from thecase 103.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective diagram of a mobile terminal 100according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A body of aterminal has a rectangular shape, various components are installed in aninternal space formed by a window 151 a on a front side and a rear cover103 on a rear side, and some of the components installed inside may beexternally exposed. The terminal body is in a rectangular shape, and ischaracterized in that two opposing sides are short and that otheropposing two sides are relatively long. For clarity of the followingdescription, a short side on a bottom end is called a first side, ashort side on a top end is called a fourth side, and right and leftsides are called second and third sides, respectively.

A mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a displayunit 151 having a window 151 a formed on a front side, a metal frame 200having the display unit 151 to be seated on a front side, a printedcircuit board 181 and a battery installed in a backside of the metalframe 200, a rear case 102 joined to the backside of the metal frame 200by covering the printed circuit board 181, an antenna carrier 105covering the printed circuit board 181 located on a bottom end portionby having an antenna pattern installed therein, and a rear cover 103forming a rear exterior of the mobile terminal 100.

A touch sensor (not shown) may be installed in the window 151 a. Thetouch sensor is configured to sense a touch input and formedlight-transmissive. The touch sensor may be installed on a front side ofthe window 151 a and configured to convert a variation of a voltage orthe like generated from a specific point of the widow 151 a into anelectrical input signal.

The display unit 151 is mounted on a rear side of the window 151 a.According to the present embodiment, as an example of the display unit151, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) isdisclosed, by which the present invention is non-limited.

For example, the display unit 151 may include a liquid crystal display(LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3Ddisplay, etc.

The printed circuit board 181 is located within the terminal body. Theprinted circuit board of the present embodiment can be disposed betweenthe metal frame 200 and the rear case or between the metal frame 200 andthe antenna carrier 105. Various chips are installed in the printedcircuit board 181 and play a role in controlling various components suchas a camera 121, an audio output unit 152 and the like. Power issupplied from the battery 190 located between the metal frame 200 andthe rear case 102. If the battery 190 and the printed circuit board 181overlay each other, thickness increases. Hence, as shown in FIG. 11, theprinted circuit board 181 can be disposed by avoiding a part where thebattery 190 is located.

The antenna carrier 105 may overlay the rear case 102, or a part of therear case 102 corresponding to the antenna carrier 105 can be omitted.Namely, the antenna carrier 105 is a part of the rear case 102 andprovides a seat space of an antenna pattern. It is able to implement anantenna pattern in a manner of directly forming a pattern withconductive material on the antenna carrier 105 or seating a flexibleboard including a pattern on the antenna carrier 105. Although theantenna carrier 105 is shown in the drawing as located at a bottom sideof the terminal body, it may be located at a top side or integrallyformed with the rear case 102.

As functions of the mobile terminal 100 are extended, wirelesscommunications of various types should be performed. Hence, a pluralityof antennas are installed in the mobile terminal 100 and can be disposedin a manner of being distributed to the top side and the bottom side ofthe terminal body to minimize mutual interference. Generally, LTE/WCDMARx only antenna, GPS antenna, BT/WiFi antenna and the like may beprovided to the top end of the mobile terminal 100, and a main antennamay be formed provided to a bottom end of the mobile terminal 100.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a frequency bandof at least one of the LTE/WCDMA Rx only antenna, the GPS antenna, andthe BT/WiFi antenna may be transmitted/received according to a frequencyband. Moreover, a plurality of antennas are formed and disposed on therespective end portions of the terminal, and transceive radio signals ofdifferent frequency bands, respectively.

The circuit board 181 is electrically connected to antennas andconfigured to process radio signals (or, radio electromagnetic waves)transceived via the antennas. For the processing of radio signals, aplurality of transmission/reception (Tx/Rx) circuits may be formed orinstalled in the circuit board 181.

The Tx/Rx circuits may be configured by including at least oneintegrated circuit and relevant electrical elements. For example, aTx/Rx circuit may include a Tx integrated circuit, an Rx integratedcircuit, a switching circuit, an amplifier, etc.

A plurality of the Tx/Rx circuits simultaneously feed the side members205 that are radiators, whereby a plurality of the antennas can operatesimultaneously. For example, while one performs a transmission, theother can perform reception. Both may perform transmission or reception.

A plurality of Tx/Rx circuits can be configured. Each of the Tx/Rxcircuits can be implemented as a communication chip including at leastone of a call processor (CP), a modem chip, an RF transceiver chip, andan RF receiver chip. Thus, each communication chip may transmit a radiosignal by feeding the side member 205 through a feeder unit 185 and amatching module (variable switch included), or perform a prescribedreception processing such as a frequency transform processing, ademodulation process and the like by receiving an Rx radio signalreceived by the side member 205 through the matching module (variableswitch included) and the feeder unit 185.

Since the metal frame 200 has the display unit 151 installed in itsfront side and forms a front circumference or at least one portion of aside of the mobile terminal 100, it is responsible for a role of theaforementioned front case in part. The metal frame 200 includes metallicmaterial and may also include an injection-molded thing in part toprovide a seating structure of another component or a combinationstructure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing bottom end portions of a metal frame 200and a display unit 151 according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. The metal frame 200 of the present invention includes a baseplate 230 of a plate shape located on a backside of the display unit 151and the side member 205 exposed externally. The side member 205 may beformed in a manner of enclosing the side of the mobile terminal 100entirely or in part.

The base plate 230 of the present invention includes metallic material.As the base plate 230 supports the display unit 151, it has a plateshape, provides physical rigidity, and plays a role as a ground surfaceof the mobile terminal 100.

The side member 205 includes metallic material and preferably forms acontinuous side in aspect of design. Yet, considering performance aspectof an antenna, the side member 205 has a partially open shape ornonmetallic material is inserted in the side member 205.

As wireless communication systems are diversified, in order to providean antenna suitable for the demands of various telecommunicationcompanies, the side member 205 itself can be used as an antennaradiator. If the side member 205 itself is used as an antenna radiator,it is able to prevent a signal from being interrupted by metallicmaterial (e.g., side member 205) located externally. Since it is able touse the existing components intact, an antenna radiator can be securedwithout increasing a size of the mobile terminal 100.

In order to use the side member 205 as an antenna radiatortransmitting/receiving a signal of a specific frequency, a length of theantenna radiator is adjusted by dividing the side member 205 physicallyor connecting the side member 205 to a ground surface provided to thebase plate 230 or the printed circuit board 181. It is necessary toadjust the length of the antenna radiator to correspond to a wavelengthof a frequency used for wireless communication.

In order to use the side member 205 as an antenna radiator, the sidemember 205 should be spaced apart from the base plate 230. The sidemember 205 includes first and second side members 210 and 220 spacedapart from the base plate 230 to be used as an antenna radiator.

The first side member 210 is an L-shaped conductor including a portion211 of a first side of the terminal body, a portion 212 of a second sideof the terminal body, and a first corner portion 213 at which the firstand second sides meet each other. The second side member 220 is anL-shaped conductor including a portion 221 of the first side of theterminal body, a portion 222 of a third side of the terminal body, and asecond corner portion 223 at which the first and third sides meet eachother.

The first corner 213 of the first side member 210 and the second corner223 of the second side member 220, as shown in FIG. 12, can be rounded.A first end portion 210 a of the first side member 210 is spaced apartfrom the base plate 230 and a second end portion 210 b meets the baseplate 230, whereby a first slot 215 having one end open and the otherend closed is formed. A first end portion 220 a of the second sidemember 220 is spaced apart from the base plate 230 and a second endportion 220 b meets the base plate 230, whereby a second slot 225 havingone end open and the other end closed is formed.

The first side member 210 and the second side member 220 further includeribs 214 a to 214 d projected inward in a thin plate shape, therebysecuring rigidity. Particularly, an edge part of the mobile terminal 100is a part to which impact is applied when the mobile terminal 100 isdropped. For rigidity, the rib 214 a can be provided to the corner part.

Each of the ribs 214 b to 214 d plays a role as a contact portionconnected to the feeder unit 185 of the printed circuit board via theconductive pattern 241, a matching circuit for frequency matching, anadditional antenna pattern switch, or the like. The ribs 214 a to 214 dprojected inward are parts of the first side member 210 and the secondside member 220 and are not in contact with the base plate 230.

A related art metallic portion located at a bottom end is disposed bybeing spaced apart from a ground in a distance over 7 mm. Yet, the firstside member 210 and the second side member 220 of the present inventioncan be disposed closer than the related art. A spaced distance a betweenthe base plate 230 and each of the first side member 210 and the secondside member 220 may range between 1.5 mm 2.5 mm. if the spaced distancea is equal to or smaller than 1.5 mm, it may cause a problem ofperformance degradation. Hence, the spaced distance a is preferably setto 1.5 mm or longer.

Referring to FIG. 12, the display unit 151 located on the front side ofthe mobile terminal 100 is seated in the metal frame 200. The displayunit 151 includes a plurality of transistors and a touch sensor disposedby overlaying the display unit 151 includes a transparent electrode suchas ITO. Hence, the display unit 151 is a member having conductivematerial disposed densely.

Thus, the display unit 151 needs to be spaced apart from each of thefirst side member 210 and the second side member 220. If the right andleft sides of the display unit 151 are spaced over 1.5 mm, the right andleft bezel sizes of the mobile terminal 100 increase excessively. Hence,a space c between the display unit 151 and each of the first side member210 and the second side member 220 may be set smaller than the space abetween the base plate 230 and the first side member 210. For example,the space c maybe set to about 0.65 mm.

The first end portion 210 a (cf. FIG. 13) of the first side member 210and the first end portion 220 a (cf. FIG. 13) of the second side member220 are disposed to oppose each other and spaced apart, whereby a slit235 is formed. It is enough for a size b of the slit to be 2 mm or more.If the slit 235 is formed at a location where such a component as anearjack is disposed, the number of openings formed in a bottom end(i.e., the first side) of the mobile terminal 100 can be minimized.

The slit 235 is formed at a location difficult to be touched by a user'shand on the short first side of the mobile terminal 100. Since anantenna radiation effect appears around the slit 235 to the maximum, ifthe slit 235 is blocked with a hand or a conductive material, antennacharacteristics are changed so as to cause a problem of performancedegradation. Yet, if the slit 235 is located at the bottom end of theterminal boy like the present invention, although a user holds the boyin a hand during a phone call, it is able to prevent the problem ofantenna performance degradation.

When a user grips the terminal body, the user tends to support a bottomcorner part of the terminal body with a palm. If the slit 235 is tooclose to the corner of the mobile terminal 100, it is affected by auser's hand as located on the side of the mobile terminal 100. Hence,the slit 235 can be disposed at a location spaced apart from the secondcorner 223 in a prescribed distance d. For example, the slit 235 ispreferably disposed by being spaced apart by about 16 mm from the thirdside of the terminal body.

The other end of the first side member 210 and the other end of thesecond side member 220 are connected to the base plate 230. The restpart except the other ends of the first and second side members 210 and220 is spaced apart from the base plate 230. As the base plate 230 playsa role as a ground, if power is applied to each of the first and secondside members 210 and 220, signals can be transceived in form of aninverted F antenna (IFA).

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal 100 to describe anantenna device according to a third embodiment of the present invention,including a first conductive pattern 241 supplying power to first sidemember 210 and a second conductive pattern 242 supplying power to asecond side member. In the following, an antenna operated by the firstside member 210 and the first conductive pattern 241 is named a firstantenna structure, and an antenna operated by the second side member 220and the second conductive pattern 242 is named a second antennastructure.

Regarding the first side member 210 and the second side member 220, thefirst conductive pattern 241 formed on a main board can be electricallyconnected to the first side member 210 using a contact member such as aC clip.

The first side member 210 and the second side member 220 differ fromeach other in length, whereby a slit 235, as shown in FIG. 13, isdisposed by inclining toward a third side from a center of a first side.As the first side member 210 and the second side member 220 differ fromeach other in length, they transceive signals of different frequencybands, respectively.

As a wavelength of a resonant frequency is determined according to alength of an antenna radiator, a relatively long antenna radiator has arelatively low resonant frequency. Therefore, the first antennastructure having the relatively long first side member 210 transceivessignals of a low frequency band and the second antenna structureincluding the second side member 220 transceives signals of a middlefrequency band corresponding to a relatively high frequency band.

For example, the first antenna structure transceives signals of B5 (850MHz) and B8 (900 MHz), and the second antenna structure transceivessignals of B2 (1900 MHz), B3 (1750˜1765 MHz) and B3 (1765˜1780 MHz).Since a signal of a high frequency band over 2 GHz has a shortwavelength, a signal of a high frequency band such as B7 (2600 MHz) canbe transceived by adding a short antenna pattern.

A resonant frequency may vary according to a length of an inverted Fantenna, a connected point of a power supplied conductive pattern, and agrounded point (a location connected to the base plate 230). If thefirst side member 210 and the second side member 220 approach too closeto the base plate 230, it may cause a problem of degradation of wirelesscommunication performance. If the first side member 210 and the secondside member 220 are excessively spaced apart from the base plate 230, itmay cause a problem that a size of the mobile terminal increases.Particularly, if a distance between the first side member 210 of thefirst antenna structure, which transceives a signal of a low frequencyband, and the base plate 230 is shortened, performance degradationappears seriously.

Recently, by minimizing a size of a bezel (i.e., a periphery of a frontside of a display except an output region), a size of the mobileterminal 100 tends to be reduced and a size of the display unit 151tends to be increased. Thus, such tendency causes a problem ofperformance degradation of an inverted F antenna (particularly,performance is frequently degraded on a low frequency band). To solvesuch a problem, a slot antenna type is utilized.

A lot antenna can be used as an antenna in a manner of making a longslot formed between a ground and an antenna radiator and then supplyingpower to the slot. The slot antenna is advantageous in that a distancefrom the base plate 230 can be decreased in comparison with an invertedF antenna.

Moreover, since the slot antenna has radiation occurring through aground (i.e., the base plate 230) as well as radiation from the slotitself, it is advantageous in that the slot antenna is less affected byexternal factors (e.g., gripping with a hand, etc.) in comparison with aPIFA antenna.

In order to boost radiation from the base plate 230, it is important toincrease a size of an electric field (e-field) gathering in a slot.Since an electric field gathers on an edge side, the first side member210 and the second side member 220 of the present invention are disposedin L shapes by being spaced apart from the base plate 230 in a manner ofenclosing the first corner 213 and the second corner 223 of the mobileterminal 100, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a radiation pattern when a power isapplied to the first side member 210 through the first conductivepattern 241 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Itcan be observed that highest strength of an electric field appears atthe first corner 213 at which the first side member 210 is located andthat radiation also comes from the base plate 230 of the mobile terminal100.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the first side member 210 receives powerthrough the first conductive pattern 241 and the second side member 220receives power through the second conductive pattern 242. The mobilecommunication module 112 controls the feeder unit 185, whereby thepowers provided to the first conductive pattern 241 and the secondconductive pattern 242 can be adjusted to be appropriate for transceivedsignals, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, the first conductive pattern241 may be located in the middle of the first side member 210. If thelocation is changed, resonance characteristics vary.

The first side member 210 or the second side member 220 may include aswitch 183. In the drawing, the switch 183 connected to the firstconductive member 210 is shown only. The switch 135 may be an elementfor varying a resonant frequency and named a matching module or amatching unit for impedance matching.

The switch 135 can be configured by various combinations of capacitorsand inductors. For example, the switch 135 may include inductorsdiffering in size, both an inductor and a capacitor, or a singleinductor only. Moreover, an inductor and a variable capacitor may beconnected together in series, a variable capacitor may be provided, oran indictor and a variable capacitor may be connected in parallel.

The above examples are provided exemplarily. A variable inductor isusable. A 2-contact point switch 135 (SPDT, Single Pole Double Throw)and a 3-contact point switch 135 (SP3T, Single Pole Triple Throw) areavailable as well. Here, if an inductor is used, a resonant frequencycan be lowered. If a capacitor is used, a resonant frequency can beraised. By the appropriate combination of them, it is able to vary aresonant frequency.

In the first antenna structure of the present invention, a location forthe first conductive pattern 241 to be joined to the first side member210 can be changed. Referring to FIG. 12, three ribs 214 b to 214 d towhich the feeder unit 185 is connected are shown. And, the firstconductive pattern 241 can be selectively connected to one of the ribs214 b to 214 d.

It can be connected to one of a first point 214 b (C1, cf. FIG. 13)located in the middle of the first side member 210, a second point 214 c(C2, cf. FIG. 17) disposed adjacent to the first corner 213 of the firstside member 210, and a third point 214 d (C3, cf. FIG. 20) disposedadjacent to the first end portion 210 a of the first side member 210.Since each mobile communication service provided uses a slightlydifferent frequency band, it is able to provide a first antennastructure matched to an optimal frequency per mobile communicationservice provider by changing a connected point of the first conductivepattern 241.

A feeder location may be changed by a switching mechanism. If the firstconductive pattern 241 is formed differently per service provider, it isable to tune a different resonant frequency. Therefore, the needs ofvarious mobile communication service providers can be met withoutchanging a shape of the side member 205 forming the exterior.

In the following, operation and performance of the first antennastructure according to a case of connecting the first conductive pattern241 to each of the first to third points C1 to C3 shall be described.First of all, referring to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 13, thefirst conductive pattern 241 is connected to the first point C1. FIG. 15is a graph to describe an operation and performance of a first antennastructure of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a diagram to describe an operation ofthe first antenna structure of FIG. 13.

The conductive pattern of the present embodiment is not located in astraight-line distance from the feeder unit 185 to the first point C1 ofthe first side member 210 and forms a loop shape configured in a mannerof extending along the first side member 210, being bent again, and thenreturning to the first point C1. For the matching of a resonantfrequency and the implementation of an antenna radiator transceivingsignals on a high frequency band, the first feeder unit 185 of such aloop type is used.

In case of using the first feeder unit 185 of such a type, if power isapplied to the first side member 210, performance shown in FIG. 15appears. A horizontal axis indicates a frequency (MHz) and a verticalaxis indicates frequency performance (efficiency) (dB). A lower positionon a graph indicates better performance at a corresponding frequency,which is called a resonant frequency. Resonant frequencies of the firstside member 210 of the present embodiment mainly appear on 3frequencies. Resonances are produced at 2 frequencies on a low frequencyband and a resonance is produced on a high frequency band.

Referring to FIG. 16, as currents flow according to three kinds ofscheme, signals of different frequencies are transceived. Referring toFIG. 16 (a), current flows in IFA (inverted F antenna) mode. A length ofthe first side member 210 is related to a wavelength of a resonantfrequency, and resonance is produced at a resonant frequency having awavelength corresponding to the length of the first side member 210 ingeneral.

A resonant frequency can be adjusted by a length of the first conductivepattern 241 connected to the first side member 210, a connected locationof the first conductive pattern 241, a conductive material around thefirst side member 210, a stub additionally connected to the first sidemember 210, etc.

If necessary, a first stub 246 is connected to a first end portion ofthe first side member 210 in order to change a resonant frequency. Ifthe first stub 246 is connected, a wavelength of a resonant frequencygets longer, whereby resonance is produced at a lower frequency. Namely,resonance is produced at a frequency flow1 having a wavelength 4 timesgreater than a total length resulting from adding a length of the firstside member 210 and a length of the first stub 246.

A ratio of a wavelength of a resonant frequency to a sum of a length ofthe first stub 246 and a length of the first side member 210 may differdepending on physical property of the first side member 210 and thefirst stub 246 or a component disposed nearby. The first stub 246 may beimplemented as an antenna pattern printed on a surface of the antennacarrier 105 or implemented in a manner of attaching a separate metallicmember to the first side member 210.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), as current flows in slot antennamode, it is driven like a slot antenna. Hence, resonance is produced ata frequency having a wavelength about 4 times greater than a length ofthe first slot 215. Since resonance is produced on a frequency bandcorresponding to the length of the first slot 215, the slot antenna ismost activated when connected to the first point C1 that is the middlepoint of the first side member 210.

Although resonance is produced at a frequency of a wavelength longenough to correspond to the length of the first stub 246 in FIG. 16 (a),since the length of the first slot 215 is determined by the length ofthe first side member 210 in slot antenna mode, a resonant frequency isgreater than a resonant frequency by the current flow of FIG. 16 (a). Asshown in the graph of FIG. 15, resonance is produced at a frequencyflow2.

Referring to FIG. 16 (c), it transmits a signal of a high frequency bandwhile operating on the first conductive pattern of a loop type in loopantenna mode. Since the signal of the high frequency band has a shortwavelength, resonance can be produced on a frequency band correspondingto twice longer than a length of the first conductive pattern 241.

As observed from the above description, a first antenna structure of thepresent embodiment operates as an inverted F antenna, a slot antenna anda loop antenna, thereby transceiving signals of various frequency bands.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal 100 to describe afirst antenna structure according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 18 is a graph to describe an operation and performanceof a first antenna structure of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a diagram todescribe an operation of a first antenna structure of FIG. 17.

The first conductive pattern 241 of the present embodiment is connectedto the second point C2 of the first side member 210. As shown in FIG.17, the second point C2 is disposed adjacent to a corner part, and thefirst conductive pattern 241 extends from the feeder unit 185 to thesecond point C2 in parallel with the first side member 210. As the firstconductive pattern 241 is located at the corner part of the first sidemember 210, an electric field intensively gathers on the corner part ofthe terminal body, whereby a ground boosting effect can be maximized.Namely, it brings an effect that a quantity of radiation through thebase plate 230 increases.

Since the first conductive pattern 241 is connected adjacent to a groundportion connected to the first side member 210 and the base plate 230,performance as an inverted F antenna is activated. Since a Q factor(quality factor) is excellent, resonance efficiency at flow1 is high asshown in the graph of FIG. 18. Instead, a bandwidth B2 becomes smallerthan a bandwidth B1 of the aforementioned embodiment of connecting thefirst conductive pattern 241 to the first point C1.

Referring to FIG. 19 (a), shown is a flow of current in case ofoperating in inverted F antenna mode. Like the aforementionedembodiment, if power is applied through the first feeder unit 185,current flows along the first side fame and the first stub 246 andresonance is produced at flow1 having a wavelength corresponding to aquadruple of a length sum of the first side frame and the first stub246.

Referring to FIG. 19 (b), shown is a flow of current in case ofoperation in slot antenna mode. Like the aforementioned embodiment,through the slot 215 (i.e., a slot having the first end portion 210 aopen and the second end portion 210 b closed) between the first sideframe and the base plate 230, it is able to implement a slot antenna. Aresonant frequency flow2 having a wavelength corresponding to aquadruple of the length of the first slot 215 is determined and betterperformance appears in inverted F antenna mode in the presentembodiment. Hence, efficiency of the resonant frequency flow2 of theslot antenna mode is worse than that of the aforementioned embodiment[cf. FIG. 18].

The mobile terminal 100 of the present embodiment further includes asecond stub 248 extending from the second point C2. As shown in FIG. 19(c), the second stub 248 itself operates in inverted F antenna mode andproduces resonance at a frequency having a wavelength corresponding to aquadruple of the length of the second stub 248. The second stub 248 canbe implemented in form similar to that of the aforementioned first stub246, and may be connected to the second point C2 through a contactmember such as a C clip and the like. Since the second stub 248 isshorter than the first side member 210, it produces resonance at a highfrequency fhigh [cf. FIG. 18].

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of a mobile terminal 100 to describe afirst antenna structure according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 21 is a graph to describe an operation and performanceof a first antenna structure of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 arediagrams to describe an operation of a first antenna structure of FIG.20.

The first conductive pattern 241 of the present embodiment is connectedto the third point C3 of the first side member 210. The third point C3,as shown in FIG. 20, is located at the first end portion 210 a of thefirst side member 210, and the first conductive pattern extends towardthe third point C3 from the first feeder unit 185 in parallel with thefirst side member 210.

The first conductive pattern 241 connected to the third point C3 forms aloop with the first side member 210. As shown in FIG. 22 (a), an antennaof the present embodiment is most activated in loop mode but an invertedF antenna mode is suppressed. Resonance is produced at a frequency flow1having a wavelength in double size of the loop formed by the first sidemember 210 and the first conductive pattern 241 operating in loop mode.

The present embodiment operates as a loop antenna, whereas theaforementioned embodiments operate as an inverted F antenna on a lowfrequency band. Thus, as a bandwidth B3 is large but a Q factor issmall, efficiency is lowered despite that a frequency band available forcommunication is wide.

FIG. 22 (b) shows a flow of current in case of operation in slot mode,and a slot antenna in form similar to that of the aforementionedembodiment is implemented. Yet, as a connected point of the firstconductive pattern 241 is connected to the third point C3 that is thefirst end portion 210 a of the first slot 215, a function as a slotantenna is degraded. Hence, as shown in FIG. 21, efficiency of anantenna at a resonant frequency flow2 of the slot antenna is low.

In comparison with other embodiments, the present embodiment reinforcesa loop antenna mode. In case of operating as a lop antenna, resonance isproduced on 2 kinds of frequency band. FIG. 23 (a) is a diagram todescribe the property that resonance is produced at a frequency fmidhaving a wavelength of an equal size of a loop, and shows a flow ofcurrent similar to that in FIG. 22 (a). Yet, as resonance is produced ata frequency fmid having a wavelength in equal size of a loop, resonanceis produced on a middle frequency band having a wavelength twice longerthan a resonant frequency flow1 of the aforementioned low frequency.

Referring to FIG. 23 (b), shown is a flow of current in case ofproducing resonance at a frequency fhigh having a wavelengthcorresponding to a length twice longer than the first conductive pattern241. A signal of a high frequency band is transceived through the firstconductive pattern 241.

Since the third point C3 to which the first conducive pattern 241 of thepresent embodiment is connected is spaced apart farthest from the firstcorner 213 in comparison with the foregoing embodiments, a size of anelectric field gathering at the first corner 213 is small. Hence,performance of radiation through the base plate 230 is degraded.

As described above, the first corner 213 of the first side member 210needs to be charged well to utilize the base plate 230 as a radiator.Hence, the first conductive pattern 214 is most preferably locatedadjacent to the first corner 213 [Embodiment 2 of FIG. 17]. Yet, in thiscase, since a bandwidth is small in a resonant frequency of a lowfrequency and operation in slot mode is suppressed, it isdisadvantageous in that an available frequency band is narrow.Therefore, convenience in resonance control is degraded.

The closer the first conductive pattern 241 is connected to the firstend portion 210 a [Embodiment 3 of FIG. 20], the wider a bandwidth of aresonant frequency gets and the more various resonant frequenciesbecome. Hence, it is advantageous in aspect of resonance control. Theembodiment of FIG. 13 shows efficiency of a middle level of the secondor third embodiment and also shows a middle level of facilitation ofresonance control. As each embodiment has advantages and disadvantages,it is able to provide an antenna having optimal performance by changinga contact point with the first side member 210 of the first conductivepattern 241 per mobile communication service provider.

In the following, when a signal of a middle frequency band and a signalof a high frequency band are transceived using a second antennastructure including the second side member 220 and the second conductivepatter 242, operation and performance are described. FIG. 24 is a graphto describe an operation and performance of a second antenna structureof the present invention. FIG. 25 is a diagram to describe an operationof a second antenna structure of the present invention. Since the firstand second antenna structures shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 17 and FIG. 10 aredisposed adjacent to the first side of the mobile terminal 100, theyaffect each other. Particularly, according to the present embodiment,since only a single slit 235 is located at a bottom end of the firstside, severe interference may mutually occur in the part of the slit235.

In order to minimize the influence caused to each other by the first andsecond antenna structures, it is preferable that the first side member210 and the second side member 220 are spaced apart from each other asfar as possible. Yet, since a size of the mobile terminal 100 is limitedand the first and second side members 210 and 220 are externallyexposed, if the slit 235 is widened, it causes a problem that a qualityis degraded in design aspect.

In order to minimize the influence between the first antenna structureand the second antenna structure in the mobile terminal 100 in a limitedsize, the present invention uses an indirect feed scheme for supplyingpower to the second side member 220.

For the indirect feed scheme, one end of the second conductive pattern242 is connected to the feeder unit 187 and the other end is disposedadjacent to a fourth point C4 of the second side member 220 withoutdirect contact with the fourth point C4. In order to maintain the spacedstate between the second conductive pattern 242 and the second sidemember 220, an insulating material can be inserted between the fourthpoint C4 and the second conductive pattern 242. The insulating materialmay include an insulating plate or film having the second conductivepattern 242 formed thereon or use an elastic member such as aninsulating gasket. If power is applied to the second conductive pattern242 by the feeder unit 187, it is able to feed the second side member220 through an electric field formed by the second conductive pattern242.

As the indirect feed scheme is used unlike the direct feed scheme of thefirst conductive pattern 241, both of the slot antenna mode and theinverted F antenna mode are usable for the second side member 220. Ifthe second conductive pattern 242 is directly fed at the second sidemember 220 and the fourth point C4, a transfer coefficient S21 of an Sparameter indicates −15 dB. Hence, performance of the second antennastructure is not good. Yet, in case of indirect feeding, the transfercoefficient S21 of the S parameter is improved to −30 dB.

Referring to FIG. 25 (a), the second conductive pattern 242 isindirectly fed at the second side member 220 and the fourth point C4 andoperates as an inverted F antenna. Since the second side member 220 isshorter than the first side member 210, resonance is produced at amiddle frequency fmid1 having a wavelength shorter than that of aresonant frequency flow1 by the first side member 210 [cf. FIG. 24]. Theresonant frequency fmid1 may include a frequency having a wavelengthcorresponding to a quadruple of a length of the second side member 220.

FIG. 25 (b) is a diagram to describe an operation in slot antenna modein the second antenna structure. A resonant frequency fmid2 isdetermined through the slot 225 formed by the second side member 220 andthe base plate 230, and the present embodiment further includes a thirdstub 249 extending along the slot 225 to adjust the resonant frequencyfmid2 in the slot antenna mode. The third stub 249 adjusts the resonantfrequency fmid2 in case of operation in slot antenna mode. Referring toFIG. 25 (c), a separate auxiliary pattern 245 may be further includedfor resonance on a high frequency band in the second antenna structure.The auxiliary pattern 245 may be formed on the antenna carrier 105 orthe printed circuit board 181. One end 245 a of the auxiliary pattern245 is grounded, and a ground point 245 a of the auxiliary pattern 245is disposed adjacent to the second feeder unit 183. The auxiliarypattern 245 of the present embodiment operated by the indirect feedscheme and produces resonance at a frequency fhigh having a wavelengthcorresponding to a double of a length of the auxiliary pattern 245 [cf.FIG. 24].

As described above, according to at least one of embodiments of thepresent invention, by improving ground radiation, a radiation space ofan antenna can be advantageously secured.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, aside part of a mobile terminal can be advantageously utilized as aradiator of an antenna.

Antenna performance degradation can be prevented from occurring when auser holds a mobile terminal in hand to use the mobile terminal, wherebyconsistent wireless communication performance can be securedadvantageously.

The above-described present invention can be implemented in a programrecorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable mediamay include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by acomputer system are stored. The computer-readable media may include ROM,RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices,and the like for example and also include carrier-wave typeimplementations (e.g., transmission via Internet). Further, the computermay include the controller 180 of the terminal. It will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that various modifications and variationscan be made in the present invention without departing from the spiritor scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention covers the modifications and variations of this inventionprovided they come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a terminal bodyincluding a first side, a second side, and a third side, wherein thesecond and third sides are positioned on either ends of the first side;a metal frame including a base plate located within the terminal bodyand a side portion externally exposed from the terminal body; and aprinted circuit board located within the terminal body and including afirst power source unit and a first conductive pattern connected to thefirst power source unit, wherein the side portion includes: a first sidemember connected to the base plate at the second side, wherein the firstside member has an L shape surrounding a first corner of the base platewhere the first side and the second side meet, a second side memberhaving an L shape surrounding a second corner of the base plate wherethe first side and the third side meet, and a slit located at the firstside between the first side member and the second side member, whereinthe slit is positioned closer to the third side than the second side,wherein based on power being supplied to the first side member from thefirst power source unit through the first conductive pattern, radiationof the base plate is boosted by an electric field gathering between thefirst side member and the base plate.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein the first conductive pattern is one of a plurality of firstconductive patterns and wherein at least one of the plurality of thefirst conductive patterns is connected to the first side member.
 3. Themobile terminal of claim 2, wherein the first side member furthercomprises a plurality of access ribs projected toward an inside of theterminal body and wherein the first conductive pattern is connected toone of the plurality of the access ribs.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim1, further comprising a first stub connected to a first end portion ofthe first side member.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein thefirst conductive pattern is connected to a first point of the first sidemember located at a middle part of the first side member.
 6. The mobileterminal of claim 5, wherein the first conductive pattern is configuredin a manner of being bent by forming a loop.
 7. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the first conductive pattern is connected to a secondpoint of the first side member wherein the second point is adjacent toan edge part at which the first side and the second side meet.
 8. Themobile terminal of claim 7, further comprising a second stub connectedto the second point and extending along the first side member.
 9. Themobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first side member is connectedto the first conductive pattern at a third point adjacent to a first endportion of the first side member.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 1,wherein the second side member is connected to the base plate at thethird side.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the printedcircuit board includes a second power source unit, and a secondconductive pattern connected to the second power source unit, whereinthe second side member is not directly connected to the second powersource and the second conductive pattern and fed by an indirect feedingmethod.
 12. The mobile terminal of claim 11, further comprising aninsulator inserted between the second conductive pattern and a fourthpoint of the second side member adjacent to the second corner.
 13. Themobile terminal of claim 11, further comprising an auxiliary patternlocated adjacent to a feeder unit of the second conductive pattern. 14.The mobile terminal of claim 11, further comprising a fourth stubconnected to the second conductive pattern and extending between thesecond side member and the base plate.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim1, wherein the slit is positioned on the first side to be at least 16 mmfrom the third side.
 16. The mobile terminal of claim 1, furthercomprising a display unit located on a front side of the terminal body,wherein the display unit is spaced apart from each of the first sidemember and the second side member.
 17. The mobile terminal of claim 1,further comprising a switch connected to at least one of the first sidemember and the second side member.
 18. A mobile terminal, comprising: aterminal body including a first side, a second side, and a third side,wherein the second and third sides are positioned on either ends of thefirst side; a metal frame including a base plate located within theterminal body and a side portion externally exposed from the terminalbody; and a printed circuit board located within the terminal bodywherein the side portion includes: a first side member connected to thebase plate at the second side, wherein the first side member has an Lshape surrounding a first corner of the base plate where the first sideand the second side meet, a second side member having an L shapesurrounding a second corner of the base plate where the first side andthe third side meet, and a slit located the first side between the firstside member and the second side member, wherein the slit is positionedcloser to the third side than the second side, wherein the printedcircuit board includes a first power source unit feeding the first sidemember, and a second power source unit feeding the second side member,wherein a first stub is connected to a first end portion of the firstside member, and wherein based on power being supplied to the first sidemember from the first power source unit through the first conductivepattern, radiation of the base plate is boosted by an electric fieldgathering between the first side member and the base plate.